It's What Goes On In Here That's Hard (Star Wars AU Fanfiction)

Chapter 16. Revealed

"I'm Luke Skywalker, I'm here to rescue you!"

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Leia frowned as the Falcon exited hyperspace, revealing the cold planet of Hoth. Of all places, Han's kidnapper had chosen Hoth. The Force stirred unnaturally, putting Leia on edge as Chewbacca flew the Falcon towards the planet, entering it's atmosphere before continuing on.

"Where would they be?" Lando asked with a frown, looking over the frozen planet's ground with uncertainty.

Leia tilted her head forward, allowing the Force to speak. "Chewie, go to the base." Leia finally spoke.

Chewbacca roared nervously but did as Leia said and headed for the Rebel base.

***

X-1 sat on his knees, his head bowed in meditation, honing his mind and powers, readying himself for the inevitable battle to come.

What would it be like to face another Force User? X-1 might have trembled in anticipation and excitement if he had not been the disiplined assassin he was, focusing on his meditation.

The sound of a ship nearing caused X-1 to stir, looking up before glancing at Han. The Rebel was still now, having given up on trying to free himself though it was apparent he too had heard the ship as well.

X-1 stood. "Your friend arrived." He said softly. "Don't worry, it will be a quick death for the Force User."

At this Han yanked against his bonds, hissing angrily, but not angry towards Luke, no, angry towards what this monster inhabiting Luke's body and mind was making him do. Luke would never kill anyone and take pleasure in it.

X-1 ignored Han's futile attempts to break free as the assassin went on to hide, waiting to spring his trap.

***

Leia pulled on a coat before raising a hand towards Chewbacca.

"Stay here, if I get in trouble I'll notify you." Leia said, gesturing to her comlink.

Chewbacca roared worriedly but nodded as the ramp was lowered and Leia walked out into the bright sun and cold weather.

Going towards the old base Leia shivered, but not because of Hoth's freezing temperature. There was something else here that made her skin and bones cold in a completely different way. An unnatural way.

Leia entered the base cautiously, holding Luke's lightsaber in hand as she navigated the ruined base, destroyed when Vader had led an attack on the rebels a year and a half ago.

Leia rounded a corner presently, feeling the Force, knowing Han was nearby, until finally...

"Han!" Leia called, seeing the former smuggler tied up and gagged.

Han shook his head, making muffled sounds as Leia came to his side. "I can't understand you, just wait a minute." Leia chided, working at the gag around Han's mouth before she finally loosened the robe. Han spat the gag out of his mouth in disgust before looking at Leia in distress.

"It's Luke!" He exclaimed, not wasting any time on giving a long explanation.

"Luke?" Leia asked in confusion, but then she paused, tensing as the cold became strong.

Standing slowly, forgetting about Han's other bonds, Leia turned towards the figure who stood many yards behind her. He was hooded and cloaked, obscuring his facial features and true identity from Leia.

X-1 seemed to pause though as he examined his enemy, his mind bringing up unwanted thoughts as he looked upon the young woman.

"She's beautiful." A voice said in the very back of X-1's mind but he quickly pushed it down, gripping his lightsaber, ready to ignite it's red blade should the Jedi make any move against him.